As part of the overall plans to develop the three West Hertfordshire Hospitals, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Watford General, the proposals to redevelop the hospital mean the vision to give each centre a distinct role within the community take a step closer.

Associate Director of the Regional Development Programme Mr Tim Duggleby, told the committee: “The need to improve the hospital state in West Hertfordshire has been long standing and in 2019 the trust developed a strategic outline case for the redevelopment of hospitals which included both the replacement and redevelopment of all our three sites, (St Albans, Watford, Hemel)

“The existing buildings at St Albans, as you are aware are in very poor condition and the majority require major refurbishment. St Albans is being looked at with a combination of refurbishment and infill redevelopment and similar works are proposed at Hemel Hempstead, together with a new build at Watford general

“The work is intended to create a very distinct role for each three of our hospital sites. St Albans will be re-badged as the centre for both surgical and cancer services provided by the trust.”